Seattle pie-shaped home feels surprisingly big inside: see why

About 100 years ago, the story goes, back when women couldn’t get their own loans in the US, a divorcée in Seattle decided to build on land that she had inherited: her ex-husband’s front yard.
Montlake Spite House is a classic ultra-thin home built to fit a piece of property. The pie-shaped home is just 55 inches at its narrowest, just enough to fit a queen bed. Owner Emily Cangie calls it "her little wedge of cheese."
She lived here for 2 and a half years, even working out of the space and filming conference calls from the pie-shaped kitchen. She feared life in the long and narrow home on a corner lot might feel like living in a fishbowl, but instead, she found it cozy.
The bottom floor was the former garage, or carriage house, and because of the bed wedged at one end, Cangie calls it the captain's quarters and likens life here to living on a boat. She has great respect for the home's builder who, if the legend is true, had to be highly creative at a time when women needed men to cosign on loans in the US (this ended with the Equal Credit Opportunity Act of 1974).
Background history of "spite houses," designed to overcome obstacles with neighbors: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spite_h...
Montlake Spite House / montlakespitehouse
On *faircompanies: faircompanies.com/videos/seat...

[@derrickmickle5491]

This house is legendary here I Seattle. I run past this house everyday on my training route. I have always wanted to hear from the owner of this house, see inside it, learn its history. Thanks for fulfilling a long-held dream!

[@kyoko703]

woah so cool!! :-)

[@lindaestoll1104]

There are several stories about how and why it came about.

[@anna1417]

Since you're from Seattle, maybe you can help me understand: Why, if the house has a good garden space on the longest side, didn't they make it wider? I thought for a moment that maybe there is some guidance from the city that requires leaving some space but,on the corner across the street, the construction is on the edge of the sidewalk... Any ideas?

[@karenrinaldi8917]

Next time, try to say "hi! I'd seen you featured on this channel..." And take it from there 😄

[@pwallace5359]

That’s so neat! It looks like such a beautiful area to live it. I’m glad you finally got a tour. 😊

[@julieoneil9216]

I grew up knowing this was “The Spite House” and I am 59! My Grandmother always loved it-even though she was happily married for 60 years.

[@Sassyglbeauty]

I thought it was because her husband didn’t think she would be able to use it for anything. So, she built it to spite him.

[@loosilu]

I'm so happy to see that the current owner is someone who is up to the job! She really cares about this house.

[@monicaalexandru9638]

Maybe it should be The “In spite of”House.

[@ASMRyouVEGANyet]

@@monicaalexandru9638 that's what it means

[@DebbiAnn2]

I am getting ready to turn 72 and on a fixed income now! My rent has just increased by $100 a month which is going to be a struggle because that’s a bag of groceries per month I’ll be doing without. If I could find a little plot of land and build a little tiny house like that I would never have to worry about being homeless! I think it’s exquisite I love it !

[@dreamweaver444]

i hope one day you have that and are able to build a little garden as well 🌱 maybe save some grocery money too! 🫶🏼

[@Lifecomesfromwithin]

How terrible of this country to let something like that happen to someone

[@adalineproulx9773]

@@Lifecomesfromwithin canadas wayyyy way way worse!!!!

[@matthewblankenship7262]

I completely understand I’m 25 and it feels impossible to move on in life with the way the economy is with houses being 400k+ and inflation being at 22% increase its so hard and with zoning laws they don’t let you build under 1000sqf it’s impossible now days:/

[@pdxtom]

@@Lifecomesfromwithin You should start a new movement; Open up your home and take in one or two elderly people who are having a hard time. After all, YOU are "this country", right? Set an example.

[@forfoxsake7972]

At first I figured it's just another tiny house. But now I'm in awe that it actually has two bedrooms and two bathrooms and a garage! You would never expect that from the outside. Really cool little house :)

[@koolkitties8552]

It only has 1 bedroom and bathroom

[@chezmoi42]

@@koolkitties8552 There is a full sized bedroom and bath, LR and kitchen upstairs, and a 'captain's bed' and half bath down, plus a living room in what used to be the garage.

[@karenkenney6021]

Well no garage anymore, it's a living room now. She did a great job fixing up the house!

[@cellmoore4848]

@@koolkitties8552 you didn’t watch the whole video

[@wren8362]

Actually it does have another BR, LR and bath. It's just a bad video, hard to follow

[@ashleyabrams9718]

That house is begging for a roof top deck

[@emilien.]

I am a Seattle native and have been absolutely fascinated and in love with this house all of my life. I spent many a Sunday after church with my family going to MOHAI (in it's old locale) and this was part & parcel in that experience and richly figures into the tapestry of other points in my life. Thank you (to infinity!), Emily Cangie, for your stewardship of this treasure. "Revenge" is sweet.

[@philiq18]

This channel was one of the reasons I started paying attention to tiny homes and spaces. Another beautiful gem.

[@oscargustavoarcosruiz8793]

me too

[@yiayiavnope2944]

I must confess that when I initially saw this house, I was prepared to remark about it being impractical. HOWEVER, I love it! It's just enough. The use of the windows makes it seem larger and the fact that you have an actual tub is fascinating. Well done!

[@waynemethsky]

6 words I love hearing about old stuff: everything about it is the original.

[@Toriboski]

This person’s personality matches the house perfectly, and I love it.

[@FriendlyBumbleBee]

Nah the laugh is annoying.

[@jennifertharp659]

What a lovely host and charming tiny home. I agree with what she said about moving the refrigerator to the corner, where she said the seating area used to be; it will make the kitchen feel much bigger indeed. And if they landscape the yard and garden with a thick hedge, and a variety of native plants, all the way around the property, they'll dampen the sound and make the home more of an oasis. How fun to see it now and imagine what might change in the future. Thank you for the tour!

[@grumpyoldlady_rants]

How is it I lived in the Seattle area for 30 years and never knew this house existed? On the more shocking side, this house last sold for $630,000! Crazy.

[@chezmoi42]

IKR? We sold our Capitol Hill box for $345K twenty+ years ago, and it's pushing a million now.

[@grumpyoldlady_rants]

@@chezmoi42 - My house I bought in Woodinville 24 years ago for $364k is now valued at about $1.3 million and the property tax is about $11,000 a year! It’s disgusting how much taxes have gone up. People can work hard their whole life to pay off their house by retirement age and then have to sell because their taxes have gone up so much.

[@chezmoi42]

@@grumpyoldlady_rants Yes, I don't mind contributing to schools, parks, etc, but dang, I wish they'd get the businesses, millionaires and billionaires, of which we have a surfeit, to pay their fair share. I'm retired in France, but I still vote in Seattle, and I'm delighted to support Sawant; at least she tries.

[@grumpyoldlady_rants]

@@chezmoi42 - I agree. Id also like to see a more equitable means of funding for schools. Lake Washington school district has top notch everything but just go 1/3 a hour yo, say, Everett or Monroe and it’s a whole different story.

[@chezmoi42]

@@grumpyoldlady_rants Yes, wouldn't it be fine if all the funds in the state went into one basket and every school got the same percentage? Equity is an alien concept to a lot of people. I grew up in 'Twin Peaks' in the fifties, and my parents used to joke about the quality of education we were getting out in the sticks - it wasn't a 'bedroom community' of Seattle then. But we were part of the countywide system, and we all benefited from being in the most prosperous county. (I look back on MSHS with affection; special thanks for my Latin class, and my extraordinary English teacher.)

[@S.E.C-R]

What a fantastic little place, I would love to live in this home. It’s cute and cozy with a ton of character. I’m glad that she’s kept it as original as possible!

[@JessicaSantos-gb8ht]

Loved the tour! That tiny wedge is adorable!!! 🎉🎉🎉

[@sarameitner6770]

I lived in Seattle (other neighborhoods) for many years - and didn't know this existed. How wonderful that the owner has restored/kept so much and researched into its past. Thank you Kirsten, for sharing this.

[@gregpendrey6711]

I remember it from 6th grade when I volunteered for busing. The long yellow bus went by it on the way home. I've seen a pictorial about it in the Seattle Times. This was more informative and the giggles were so awesome.

[@cindyhollings2079]

That front door, knocker and peep hole is gorgeous! I love the arch shape. Thankyou for the tour xx

[@lauriewarner4848]

Brilliance of Design. I am a designer by trade. This is a fun quirky solution to a odd space. I am so glad it was not just demolished. Thank you. And the owner is a lovely person that sends off positive energy.

[@kareninalabama]

The actual tour of the inside is from 5:42 to 6:12 (for those who are interested primarily in the floor plan.)

[@Xtalllll]

If you only watch that bit, you'll miss the second floor!

[@user-fu6yu3jj7w]

Yes, the meat and potatoes of the video...TY! 💯🙏

[@stoogeswoman]

@@Xtalllll wow, thanks! I was just going to watch that one segment but you're right, that second floor is amazing!!

[@bellaluce7088]

Plus 14:18 for the separate downstairs space with a bedroom, sitting room, bathroom, and washer dryer.

[@jenniferp1917]

Yes, this video could use some editing. Much repetition. Feels like a rough draft. The house is very impressive!!

[@egl3369]

Beautiful home. It is fascinating that anyone could think this is small. It is plenty of space for a couple upstairs and a single person downstairs.

[@carolewarner101]

Wow! Our home turns 100 next year. They sure don't build them like they used to, and they almost NEVER built 'em like that one!

[@bigsarge2085]

Spite; what a keen motivator!

[@claudiamelisa7]

I lived just across the alley from the spite house on that same busy street in the mid 70's as a 13-14 year old. Always was intrigued by it. How fun to finally see inside!

[@Corvid-]

This home has sold a few times in recent years for more than $600k. Kinda crazy.

[@rmbarnes672]

Kinda stupid😇

[@CyrusOfNaias]

Seattle prices

[@userjarabecko]

@Disabled.Megatron cause they missing half the brain? 🤷‍♀️

[@Stacey721]

​@@kiwe3546It's far left Democrat run city. That's why it's turning into a s***-hole

[@RyeBreadGangster]

According to Redfin (admittedly not the most reliable source) it's worth between 770k-918k now.

[@LunaShimmyDiva]

Window in closet was for airing clothes between wearings. Ppl had fewer clothes 100 years ago. Common to have one bottom (skirt or trousers) for daywear w two tops. Then wash n wear on alternate days. Also another set of clothes for Sun/special occasion. So they needed space to dry clothes n air out/freshen clothes they didn’t wash…

[@lydiarowe491]

Making the best of a situation that could give the original owner her independence..well done her..and that this house stands as a legacy of her determination of living at a time when this was not easily possible..love this house ..the shape and the surprise of the basement….well done for preserving the integrity of this home..❤

[@deniselis5627]

I've heard about this house over the years . I even thought about viewing it to purchase in the 80's. It's a gem. So unusual.

[@cringirl]

What a well done tour. That she respects this space so much and only improves on and works with the original structure is so very cool. Architecture is fascinating. It really fits with your other videos, like she said, "Mine for now." I really enjoy your work and respect your efforts, thank you.

[@loosilu]

When I was watching I thought, this is the perfect caretaker for this house.

[@silentdecay]

*if the stove breaks beyond repair* - likely that they'd be able to take the stove door OFF then lay cardboard over counter tops (attach with painter's tape to cupboards if concerned) , then lift up over counter & btwn cupboards & simply angle- walk it out the front. . . And worst case, you'd take the fridge doors off to get thru, then put them back after new stove is installed. It looks like more room than I've used to install some appliances. Likewise, a valid argument is to down-size that current monster fridge into a similarly styled *counter depth fridge* or other aptm size unit. Hope this helps them or for anyone reading this in similar situation(s). Peace.

[@silentdecay]

PS: if the day arrives & need to replace, just fly me out and I'll make it happen. Lol😅

[@jeremymarin7037]

No way!!! I passed by this house on the bus yesterday and thought it looked pretty skinny! The street facing side looked like a proper house but you can tell how close the house behind it is. Next time you're in Seattle come visit SAINT BREAD BAKERY!!!

[@86bIDO52JF]

Over 10 years ago, you were the first channel I subscribed to. (I still have only subscribed to about 50.) I've never been disappointed! Thank you for your hard work and wonderful videos!

[@charisma-hornum-fries]

Weirdly enough. I'm crazy about the nook or mudroom. Sitting there looking out with a cup of coffee and reading a book would be so cozy. A tiny cave or such 😊😊

[@rosemarywilliams9969]

God, I just LOVE everything about that house. That original owner is strong for coming up with that, I would have fallen apart just like I did in my own divorce. Packing up and leaving my home just to rent and rebuild felt like I gave up to easily. Still put in the extra money and get the right size kicthen appliances reinstalled and that place will be just perfect.

[@juwaybhalla2683]

I love it and I love the story behind it. Amazing that she took the land and built what she could, I appreciate that the first owner did not let the divorce get to her choices. thanks for sharing it and it is a pretty good home.

[@robertgronewold3326]

Honestly, a likely more sensible way to use the space by modern standards would be to have the narrow end house a small staircase, and have the basement be dining and kitchen area. But these old houses can have so many quirks, you have to love them.

[@lacygray524]

I could totally live there. Glad people care for these slices of history and keep it alive and well. Respect for the Spite House! 😉

[@djlondon7956]

Love this house. Tons of character and definitely unique. Everything you need. ❤

[@buddyneher9359]

Love this! I hope it continues its life on that spot for a good long time!

[@bethroesch2156]

I've seen the Spite house many times but this is the first time I've seen the interior and it's beautiful. I love it

[@muratakis9086]

Looking at the cabinetry. the fridge can be relocated easily. Something to think about?

[@cperkin6880]

Beautiful home! I’m so glad they kept a lot of its original decor.

[@barbarabrantley4779]

Oh yes I love the story behind the house. I’m tiny so I’d fit in it perfectly. I’m 4’11” tall. But I think it’s a perfect little house. ❤❤

[@deroux]

I would run the kitchen cabinets to the ceiling and get an under counter Fridge or two. With so many options these days, the king size fridge is terrible. A skylight or two would be wonderful in that unique space.

[@mapleleaf0]

So cool! I love what she said about being a steward of the house for now. I have felt that way about all the old homes I have lived in. Two thoughts- one is probably too late, but the other quite doable. Round toilet instead of oblong would allow the upstairs bathroom door to open further, but it might be a bigger deal to change because the hole in the floor might need to move. They might be able to find one that didn't require moving the hole. Counter depth fridge would be great and doable at any time.

[@mars56100]

Hard to believe that so many areas in the US are only about a hundred years old! I mean in comparison to how old the world really is. Love your videos!

[@Milkmaid108]

I could totally live in this house! I lived in Brooklyn with a tiny bathroom without a sink. At least there is a window viewable from the throne!

[@jo-eo9ld]

Such an lovely interesting little house. I like that the owner makes it work with most of the original features, also love her funny little giggles haha. I dream of owning my own quirky historical home some day.

[@nicholebeck8177]

Thank you for showing us the house. My dad grew up in Seattle and I'm always fascinated with the older homes and pictures of what was. Love it!

[@OMGWTFLOLSMH]

Cute and quirky. It would be great for a guest house or Airbnb, but I wouldn't want to live there. Charming homeowner too. Thanks for the tour.

[@bigreddallas2742]

I love it! And the owner is very warm and welcoming. Thank you for another great post.😊

[@sharonkeller7397]

What a sweet little place! It's quite clever how they made it work. 😊

[@thomasdecarlo8543]

I am all about small homes. The US has gotten stupid with big homes. This place is great. She did a great job on it. I would take it and live there in a heartbeat

[@coolgraycat]

I live in San Francisco, homes built around the same time had separate toilet from the bathroom. The toilet room were smaller than an outhouse and the doors open outward, usually into a hallway. The closet had windows to let in light, because there were no electricity in the closet. Nice article thank you very much. (PS It looks like a movie set house front façade).

[@PeaceSM1954]

Love this home so quaint with many surprises for its size! Hi from Australia 🇦🇺🦘

[@sheilam4964]

"The Spite House" term in this case goes both ways. Hubby for giving her half of the property, the front yard only and Wify for putting it to good use, a home she could live in. Brilliant. The laws were not in favour of women in those days, financially or otherwise. Men couldn't loose no matter what and people wondered why women were so "weak willed" that they stayed in an unfavourable marriage. This Wife was very intelligent and had great design taste. Too bad her taste in men was limited to the Heel she married. If you think I am being snarky, you are right. I come from the time before 1974 and have earned my attitude.

[@mrs.manrique7411]

That toilet space looks like it could - more comfortably - hold a two foot deep wall mounted toilet. That is a renovation for which I’d invest in this house! I’m so glad you got to tour the cheese wedge!!

[@Sassyglbeauty]

7:12 U could get rid of the bulky fridge now and opt for drawer styled fridges! It would help open the space more.

[@midnightmadness5307]

Yes, new fridge 'smaller' for sure, other than that I absolutely LOVE the whole thing, could live there in a minute, love the curved 'hobbit' door and the window in the closet, so adorably cool.

[@terribishop5313]

This house is valued now at $815,000, Seattle's prices are as bad as Los Angeles

[@larsstougaard7097]

Wow 😳

[@gloriaom4377]

😱 una locura

[@larsstougaard7097]

Every time someone sell it they get a piece of the pie 🥧 🙄

[@etiennemarchione2207]

❤ oh so fun and exciting to learn about this property. Emily’s a spunky articulate commentator and its easy to see she’s put lots of love into her cheese wedge! Thanks to Kristen & crew for yet another awesome video 💕love it.

[@junesorenson279]

I would LOVE to live in this home ❤ . . I currently live in one room with everything I own in my room, in a twin bed, so that is a great step up. I don't find it to different from myself and my Ex-husband who lives in the same small town.

[@Cindyscrossstitch]

This home is so awesome. One of a kind. Thank you for sharing 🌻

[@bsjeffrey]

i lived in seattle for 20 years and know i drove by this house many times. never noticed it.

[@flightydancer]

Wow! So cute! Thank you for taking us on this journey to see this adorable house.

[@redsteedproperties2405]

Very interesting small house. I also love unique and quirky properties.

[@joecutro7318]

Thanks, Kristen for seeking out these kinds of homes. Kudos to the original and current owner for their commitment to working with what they had. I live in the Seattle metro area so look forward to seeing this sometime soon! 😊

[@Tawadeb]

Wow excellent renovation. Loved the upstairs and downstairs and the history. Thank you

[@meezerthyme]

Love … this house! 💙 🏡 I wanted to add: the front door is lovely as are the double doors in the back.

[@makianorton2493]

This is SUCH a cool home. I really love it and the owner is so endearing. I love her laugh❤! Great video!

[@paulaandgirls3501]

I could easy give up my ridiculous huge house for something like this!! It is gorgeous

[@NELLIE-41388]

You have very DELIGHTFUL taste in homes & thanks so much for posting this. The world has gotten more practical. Lavish homes just aren't that necessary unless you are rich & entertain a lot! Besides, for introverts like me just having some place this size is wonderful!

[@QuestforaMeaningfulLife]

The creativity never stops on this channel

[@malikaeastonAllahfirstanfamily]

It’s a beautiful house and just enough space. The design is amazing, love it a diamond 💎 of a ruff. Yes very cozy , thank you for sharing ❤😊

[@wendyrobertson3899]

I love the downstairs apartment! It's just the right size for me. Exactly what I'm looking for but in N. Georgia and very low rental price. But if I were to build, that would be about the square footage o would want in a home. The upstairs is also adorable. Thanks for all the wonderful houses and alternative homes you've been showing over the years. I know it's hard traveling with kids but I have to say you've given me some pretty cool ideas of what I want in a house. Happy trails and safe travels to you and the fsmily

[@ecr.7695]

Great video of an iconic tiny home. 👏👏👏

[@user-fu6yu3jj7w]

This house is so cute and I absolutely and thoroughly enjoyed the tour! Thanks for sharing this with us all. 💯❤️🙏🥰

[@AmandathePandaBooks]

I could live there very easily! I would repaint the downstairs all white. I love the down stairs bed!! Pastel satin froo froo, lots of pillows, white paint,good to go!

[@mcuz2164]

Now this is a tiny home. Cute little garden space and lots of character.

[@alonsocarranza8953]

I watched some videos about this house before and it’s gorgeous, btw the owner is lovely!

[@JakkiousEliot]

Hi. I’ve watched a lot of your videos and I’ve really liked watching them. However, I think this was one of your best ones though. You did a really good job on this one. Thanks for sharing it.

[@kezzien56]

Just wanted to say I think it’s fabulous and for your cheese home to have so much history and the way you describe it is awesome! I hope you still own it in 2 years and you can do another video to celebrate it’s centenary! ❤🎉

[@katebond4899]

I used to live in an old apartment building (beautiful built ins, fixtures, milk door) and this brought back memories. Although it is sad to see another cool home turned into rent seeking opportunity, but that's the name of the game now.

[@DSwecker]

This homeowner would make an excellent TV show host on something like this old house

[@eiryamorlais4978]

What a treasure - in many a sense. Thank you, all, for sharing this with us!

[@lisad5540]

So cool what you have done with this house. What a great job! It looks fantastic. The history makes it. Thanks for sharing

[@ledatully8371]

You can replace the fridge with a shallow one. Same height and width, but won’t stick out as far.

[@traceystanphill725]

You could install a bifold door in the bathroom instead of a standard door.

[@jude1515]

Cool. I love the door and the home has all the necessary space to live comfortably.

[@luv2jazz]

Love it. Very creative use of space and the backstory!

[@creolelady182]

I really like this home. Back in the day builders took pride in their work and homes were built very well, not like today with spit and sawdust

[@chrisbabbitt4202]

There is high quality homes being built today. Unfortunately most people want the cheaper home to maintain the space they want. Instead of downsizing for higher quality.

[@starkparker16]

It's like the forecastle of big boat. Very nice house and a good video. I'd try to use a cart to get the stove out. Something to raise it above the counter.

[@1mourningdove54]

I love that little apartment-so cozy and charming!!

[@kathleenmckenzie9500]

Well just on speck I found it on utube. What a wonderful host and history. A Inspiration that we can do it too.beautiful personality. Made me feel welcome to hear the story. I like a cosy home. Nice

[@craftyhobbit7623]

I found the downstairs area quite surprising, though I would set it up as a workspace for my hobbies or a library. Until I saw it, I thought it was just another one of those tiny houses that are over-marketed these days to make you feel guilty about wanting more space.

[@cynhanrahan4012]

Kirsten, why are you not addressing tiny houses for affordable housing? I'm retired, the apartment I live in is being sold and I am going to be freakin homeless. I don't need much space. Just me, my dogs and my cat and my stuff, I don't have much stuff anymore. Tiny housing has been gentrified to the point of unaffordability. Traditionally poor neighborhoods are being cleared of residents and flipped at 3 or 4 times the price/rent. HELP!

[@user-cz5jf4ud5m]

I have been looking at a piece of property, odd shaped, so glad I saw this. Love this home.

[@hollistandridge1117]

My niece’s baby has the same or similar brain condition. These videos give me so much hope. My niece has surprised herself at what a great mom she’s become at 18 years old. This baby has brought us all so much joy.

[@pj123xyz]

I don’t know how they got that massive fridge in there but that would be the first thing I’d replace with a smaller one that wouldn’t stick out so far disturbing the whole flow of the place. I could definitely live in a place like that but not for the price. That’s insane

[@cindygray4533]

This is one of my favorites, I would love to live there 💞

[@MallyNC]

This house is absolutely adorable so warm and cozy ♥️

[@aishanaseem3268]

Thanks that was awesome. I have always wanted to see the inside of that house. She did some amazing work on it .